Sometimes I think there’s no way anyone could be more unfiltered than Blake… then he brings Chad around.
Blake is laughing and complimenting Chad on his flexibility, and I am kicking myself for ever mentioning sex in a public place. Thank god we take up most of first class.
I look over at Ash who’s paying absolutely no attention to any of us with his headphones already over his ears. He’d probably be so embarrassed if he could hear us. I don’t know Blake’s other friend all that well, but he’s always blushing, so I can’t imagine how he’d react if he’d heard all of this.
“And you!” Chad says, whipping back toward John. “Stop acting like you’re above this conversation. You have a dick piercing. You don’t get to be a prude.”
That shuts everyone up real quick, except for Jace, who is shaking with silent laughter beside me, fully folded over now.
“Oh god, the first time I fly first class is going to bethe last time I’m ever allowed on a plane,” he finally says through his laughter.
“So, why isn’t anyone answering my questions about flip f’ing?” Chad asks seriously.
“Stop talking,” John growls.
“Then at least explain!” Chad begs. “I want to support the community. I want to learn.”
“Chad, do you plan to have sex with a man?” I ask.
He takes a moment to think before speaking—for once. “No, I’m straight,” he says matter-of-factly.
“Okay, then it doesn’t matter,” I say.
“Fine,” he huffs and sits down in his seat. But for some reason, I have a feeling he’s not going to let this go and I can’t help but join Jace in laughing about what just happened.
By the timewe land and weave our way through the airport with the others, Jace’s excitement has somehow multiplied, and I love it. He gasps at the slot machines by the gates. He insists on taking a photo in front of the giant Las Vegas sign to send to Joey and Patrick. He even narrates everything he sees as we drive downtown, commenting on the different buildings and how interesting it must have been to build them when so many are uniquely shaped.
I already knew Ineeded to take him somewhere incredible for our honeymoon, but how excited he is confirms it. There’s so much he can experience in this world, and I want to be the one to show him.
When the SUV finally pulls up to the hotel, Jace’s jaw drops. “Isthiswhere we’re staying?”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Ash assures him, and he raises a brow in Ash’s direction as if that’s not possible.
“This hotel is incredible! Just look at the architecture! And I thought the buildings in New York were cool.” Jace starts talking about different techniques they must’ve used to accomplish the design. I don’t bother telling him there’s a New York–New York hotel in Vegas with a rollercoaster and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. I’d rather show him in person so I can see his face.
Chad and Blake manage to check us in while we wait around in the lobby, and a moment later, a woman comes out from behind the desk and tells us to follow her.
“This will be your private elevator; it only goes to the penthouse floor, and to use it, you need to swipe your key. Each of you should have one, so make sure you don’t lose it.”
There’s a chorus of “Cool,” and “Okay, thanks,” and “Sounds good” as we fill the larger-than-usual elevator, which then shoots up to the penthouse.
When we get off, there’s another door for us to unlock, and when we open it, she smiles at us. “The penthouse is all yours for the weekend. Would you like a tour or are you all set?”
“I think we can manage, thank you,” Chad replies with his signature bubbly tone.
“Great,” she says, mirroring his smile. “If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call or text our concierge. We’re here for you twenty-four seven.”
“Holy shit,” Jace whispers into my ear from his place behind me.
Blake steps up beside him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Go big or go home, right?”
“I can’t believe this place,” Liam agrees, echoing Jace’s thoughts.
“Only the best for my man,” Blake says, giving Liam a quick kiss. “Now whisk me away to our bedroom, fiancé! We call the nicest one!”
Blake jogs down the hall, pulling Liam after him. Once they’re out of earshot, Ash mutters, “This weekend is going to be painful.”
“Don’t worry, Ash. We can find you a nice man or woman to get down and dirty with.” Chad waggles his eyebrows in suggestion.
